Can My Teeth Shift After Getting Dental Implants?

October 20, 2023

Dental implants in Alexandria, which securely fuse with your jawbone, act as sturdy replacements for missing teeth. Not only can dental implants elevate your overall appearance, but they can also completely restore the function of your smile and overall oral health. This remarkable dental solution can truly transform your life. However, let's address a common concern: Can your teeth shift unexpectedly after getting dental implants? Is it even a possibility? Stay with us as we explore these questions and shed light on the topic.

Can Your Teeth Shift After Getting Implants?

Right off the bat, no, your teeth cannot and should not shift after getting implants, regardless of what type of implants you get. Dentists embed the dental implants deep inside your jawbone, ensuring it’s fixed firmly and doesn’t wiggle or move even under high pressure. After installing the implants, patients wait for about six months for the jawbone to completely fuse with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration.

Follow the dentist’s instructions to the letter, and you should heal completely after three to six months. After healing, you can eat whatever you want and use your implants like you would your natural teeth.

Why Do I Feel a Shifting Sensation in My Teeth After Getting Implants? 

It’s normal to feel a shifting sensation in the teeth surrounding the implant, especially after the dentist attaches the abutment and prosthetic teeth. That’s because attaching the prosthetic teeth and abutment applies extra pressure to the implant and nearby teeth. This gives off the sensation of the teeth shifting, but this isn’t the case.

You can compare this feeling to getting your braces tightened. Tightening braces makes the teeth feel like they’re shifting in real time when they’re not. The same goes for attaching the abutment and pontic on your implant. 

When Should I Be Worried When My Teeth Shift After Dental Implant Surgery?

While teeth rarely move after dental implant surgery, there are cases when they do. For instance, the teeth can move in case of a botched surgery where the dentist drills the implant at an angle instead of straight down. This applies pressure to the adjacent teeth, causing them to shift.

Sometimes, the body might reject the titanium implant in a rare phenomenon called titanium rejection. If so, the titanium will cause jaw bone loss and loosen the implant until it wiggles. Consult your Alexandria dentist immediately if you notice your implant wiggling or any inflammation around the implant weeks after the surgery.

Start Your Dental Implant Journey With Us

At Kenmore Family Dental Care, we are dedicated to providing your smile with the utmost care and attention it deserves. As you embark on this transformative journey, your dental health becomes our top priority. Beyond being a simple dental implant, this marks the gateway to newfound self-confidence and comfort. Reach out to us to schedule your appointment, and let's embark on this journey together, where your smile shines with confidence, and your comfort is paramount.